Author: Stephanie Gomez

WATCH: Recognizing the Crucial Work of Skilled TTC Maintenance Workers

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 is encouraging Torontonians to watch this informative video from a few years ago about the important work streetcar maintenance workers do to keep our city moving.

Toronto developed its foundation on a strong streetcar network. The red TTC streetcar is an icon of the city and it would not have run for over four decades if it were not for the skilled members of ATU Local 113’s maintenance team.

As member Al Demelo points out in the video, private contractors do whatever they can to make more money. When the TTC’s Hillcrest Complex uses private contractors for the maintenance of certain parts, they never meet ATU Local 113’s high standards of quality. Quality and public safety are always the utmost priorities for our members. “We can’t compromise safety for profit,” said ATU Local 113 member Rovel Dunn.

Several years later from when it was produced, the video is yet another reminder on how important it is to ensure all future transit projects are operated and maintained by a unified TTC workforce that has been trusted and qualified to do maintenance work safely for over 100 years.

Many thanks to all of ATU Local 113’s maintenance members for the crucial work you do to keep public transit running safely!

ATU Local 113 Supports Yonge Street Mission Toy Drive

by Stephanie Gomez

The ATU Local 113 Women’s Committee and Executive Board Members joined Brother Claude Willis from Arrow Road Division for the Holiday Toy Drive on December 8, 2019. We provided three families from the Yonge Street Mission with a holiday that they deserve.

Thank you to the Sisters and Brothers of ATU Local 113 who have supported our 50/50 draws. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to give families a Christmas to remember this year, and provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need.

We’d also like to extend our congratulations and thanks to our last 50/50 draw winner, Wilson operator Yen Yuan Lin, badge #80918.

ATU Local 113 stands with Toronto and York Region Labour Council to fight climate change

by Stephanie Gomez

Having a properly funded public transit system is a key component of developing sustainable communities and fighting climate change. Failing to act now just means that we’ll end up paying more later – and the stakes are too high for us to pass the buck to the next generation.

That’s why ATU Local 113 members, like Grace Udoh who is featured in the following post, are proud to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Toronto and York Region Labour Council who are fighting to build a green future for our city. Read more about their campaign and what you can do to help here.

ATU Local 113 in the Community: Christopher Jones

by Stephanie Gomez

A highlight of summer in Toronto is the diverse community events across the city. Accessible by streetcars, subways, wheel-trans and buses, they offer families the opportunity to reconnect with those closest to them – all while having fun! Christopher Jones, an Operator at Malvern Division, is dedicated to finding opportunities to help others and community events became one of his ways to offer a lending hand. With the support of ATU Local 113 and its Sisters and Brothers, Christopher has brought bouncy castles, floats and other fun and important additions to events across the city – for the benefit of all.

“I believe that a community is made up of people getting involved. You do not have to be a part of the community to help. I give back on behalf of ATU 113 to the community we serve,” Chris explains.

Christopher Jones in-front of ATU Local 113’s bouncy castle at Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza

And a busy summer getting involved he’s had. Already, he has supported the Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show and Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza. Next is the Toronto Caribbean Carnival where he’ll lead a float of Sisters and Brothers.

Supporting community events is just part of what Christopher does in his spare time. He’s served on ATU Local 113’s Rec Committee and United Way team, while currently involved with the Willowdale Rotary Association and Knights of Rizal.

Thank you to Christopher for all your hard work!

#TTCpride: ATU Local 113 Marches in Rainbows to Celebrate Achievements, Continue Fight for Equality

by Stephanie Gomez

Building on longstanding traditions, ATU Local 113 Sisters and Brothers marched proudly in Toronto’s 38th annual Pride Parade. While June is designated Pride month, the Local will always stands in solidarity in the fight for equal rights. The Parade offers the opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ community achievements while recommitting to their full inclusion in society – under the law and in our culture.

Group photo at Rosedale Valley Road in front of the fabulous TTC Pride bus.

Despite a heavy downpour, ATU Local 113 Sisters and Brothers marched alongside the TTC Pride bus: dancing, waving flags and laughing. The parade route on Yonge Street from Church and Bloor to Yonge and Dundas Square was a sea of colour representing a message of unity and peace.

Grace Udoh dances excitedly through the streets of Toronto while wearing her custom ATU Local 113 rainbow t-shirt.

Matthew Ennamorato and Richard Freitas wave the ATU Local 113 flag high in the sky on Bloor Street.

ATU Local 113 marches in rainbows to celebrate achievements continue fight for equality image 4

Matthew Ennamorato, Emily Daigle, Richard Freitas, Kathleen Zamora, Grace Udoh, Trey Zamora and Deborah Littman amongst other ATU Local 113 Sisters and Brothers.

Thank you to all ATU Local 113 Sisters and Brothers who participated in the Parade. To get your hands on the rainbow ATU Local 113 t-shirt or to be notified about details for the march next year, please contact dlittman@atu113.net.

 

 

Watch: Friends Reconnect, Reminisce and Share why ATU Local 113 is More Important than Ever at the 2018 Pensioners’ Party

by Stephanie Gomez

In May, hundreds of Sisters and Brothers gathered for the annual ATU Local 113 Pensioners’ Party. This highly anticipated gathering provided ATU Local 113 pensioners the opportunity to reconnect with their old friends and reminisce on all the accomplishments they achieved when they stood together as part of ATU Local 113.

Amidst great food, music and conversation, ATU Local 113 Pensioners and current Executive Board members shared tips and insights for current union members. Hear it directly from attendees of the 2018 Pensioners’ Party – and make sure to join us next year:

It’s Clear: the TTC Doesn’t Understand the Seriousness of Animal Contaminants in Oral Swabs

by Stephanie Gomez

After almost a month of stalling, the TTC confirmed that it forced our Sisters and Brothers to consume animal products despite religious and/or ethical objections. It is now time for the TTC to understand the seriousness of this issue – one created by the Commission alone – by acting forthright about what accommodation will look like and how they’ll address the thousands who have already taken the test.

ATU Local 113 asks the TTC a simple request as part of their efforts to right their wrong: advise our members that those who self-identify as requiring accommodation will not be required to consume animal products and that they will not be removed from their work, suspended, sent home or reprised against in any manner what-so-ever.

It is time the TTC takes responsibility and provide Toronto’s 11,000 transit workers an answer by the end of the day.

Click here to read our response to the TTC below.

In Solidarity at the Keep Transit Public Rally

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 will fight to keep transit out of the hands of the private sector – wherever and whenever we see it happen. That’s why our members joined together with hundreds of Ontarians at Queen’s Park for the Keep Transit Public rally. Transit workers, advocates and riders all had one message for Ontario Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne and Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford: we won’t standby as you try to upload the TTC subway and put it on the fast track to privatization.

With an imminent election, keeping transit public must be a priority for all candidates and parties. We were proud to see New Democratic Leader Andrea Horwath show her support for our campaign, emphasizing the value of public transit to the everyday lives of Torontonians. Like Ms. Horwath, we think it’s important to make transit available to everyone no matter where you live or how much you earn – that means keeping it public.

Our very own ATU Local 113 member, Richard Freitas, also spoke at the rally alongside ATU Canada president Paul Thorp. Richard reminded us all what happens when private companies get involved in our public transit systems. We won’t let the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives forget that private contractors cost more, deliver less, cut corners and take longer to get projects done.

Watch a video of the event here.

Let’s keep transit accountable to the people who use it – let’s keep it public. Learn more about the Keep Transit Public campaign and get involved: http://www.keeptransitpublic.ca/

ATU Local 113 Warns of Service Delays due to TTC’s Failure to Hire

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 is warning the public about potential service delays due to the Toronto Transit Commission’s failure to hire more workers.

The TTC has been operating with as high as 12 per cent of maintenance positions left unfilled. ATU Local 113 and its members are concerned the TTC has left these positions unfilled and are relying on overtime to make it easier to bring more privatization to Toronto’s public transit system.

Given these concerns over the TTC’s failure to hire, ATU Local 113 decided not to extend its agreement with the TTC to allow members to work as many as 64 hours per week. This decision came into effect April 30, 2018.

“With fewer workers on the job, we are warning riders of potential service impacts,” said Frank Grimaldi, ATU Local 113 President. “The city is in this position today because for far too long, the TTC neglected to hire enough workers to properly run our public transit system. ATU Local 113 is committed to the continuity of service while the TTC hires more public transit workers to ensure safe and reliable operations.”

Read more on the issue: https://wemovetoronto.ca/its-time-for-the-ttc-to-hire-more-public-transit-workers/ 

Bringing the Keep Transit Public campaign to the NDP Campaign Launch

by Stephanie Gomez

Ontario’s New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath launched her campaign to be Premier on Sunday from Hamilton. ATU Local 113 Executive Board Member John Di Nino attended the launch event – meeting after with Ms. Horwath to promote the Keep Transit Public campaign. Following a discussion about the importance of stopping the privatization of our public transit, she gave us a big thumbs up! With the provincial election approaching, it is important we are engaged with all parties trying to form government. Learn more about the Keep Transit Public campaign and get involved: https://www.keeptransitpublic.ca/#ktp-background